Elder Care Safety

Falls are the most common cause of injury in American adults age 65 and older. According to the National Safety Council falls are the leading cause of death. One in three of those 65 and older falls each year and 90% of hip fractures that occur in the U.S. are the result of a fall.

But do not panic over these statistics. Here are a few things to do to fall-proof your home and to learn how to fall the correct way to help prevent injury.

To fall proof your home:

  -Don’t pile clutter or items in pathways or stairways.

  -Put adhesive texture strips or a rubber mat on the bottom of shower. Install grab bars on the walls. Place a slip resistant rug on the floor to safely get in and out of bath.

  -Keep appliance cords out of walking area. Don’t put them under rugs.

  -Remove small area rugs at top and bottom of stairs and put adhere non-slip treads to bare-wood steps.

  -Place night lights to light the way from bedroom to bathroom.  Keep a flashlight with new batteries close to the bed in case of power outage.

  -Clean up spills immediately.

  -Wear sneakers around the house and outside. Do not wear stocking feet or high heals.

In case a fall does happen here are a few steps to follow to do avoid or minimize injury:

  -If at all possible try to fall on your butt or side. Roll over naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.

  -Keep joints (wrists, elbows and knees) bent. Do not break your fall with your hands or elbows.

  -After falling take several deep breaths. Do not quickly get up especially if you feel you have been injured.

  -If you feel you have been injured call 911 or a family member for help.

  -If you feel you are not injured and are able to get up, crawl to a stable piece of furniture like a chair to support and help pull yourself up. Put both hands on the seat.

  -Slowly begin to raise yourself up and bend whichever knee that is stronger keeping the other knee on the floor. Slowly twist and sit in the chair.

Remember to have physical checkups and exercise regularly.

A great way to excercise

Water Therapy is said to be the best form of exercise for the elderly. Water therapy is easy on the bones which is especially good for those with Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis. Water therapy warms and soothes the joints and increases range of motion. Water therapy conditions and builds the muscles yet it releives a lot of pain. Many poeple with back pain start doing water exercises to relieve that pain whereas weight workouts would likely increase the pain.

Hard and padded surfaces uncomfortable

Many people find that as they age exercising on hard or even padded surfaces is very uncomfortable but water exercises are enjoyable and a nearly painless workout. If a person has a muscle strain or tear, has had a fall or other injury then the gentle resistance and friction that water therapy provides makes a quicker recovery while reducing the risks of re-injury due to loss of balance or overstraining the bones and muscles. 

Consult your physical therapist

Those with high blood pressure and other heart related problems should consult their physical therapist before performing water therapy.

If you or a loved one has arthritis then begin water therapy that works for you as soon as possible to get rid of pain and stiffness.